What’s the story?
Gohela Boro, a supremely talented archer hailing from New Amguri village in Assam’s Kokrajhar district, is now battling for her life as she is suffering from an undiagnosed condition that has left her bedridden.
She had been advised to consult doctors at the department of clinical immunology and rheumatology, either at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai or at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, but is unable to do so due to her family’s poor financial condition.
Assam Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, while speaking to Assam Times on Wednesday, promised to extend all kinds of support for the archer. “We are ready to extend a helping hand for ailing Gohela Boro. We will provide her whatever is required for her medical treatment,” she said.
In case you didn’t know...
Boro started her career in 2008 at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) campus in Kokrajhar in the sport of archery. Since then, she has won a total of 72 medals at various national, state and district level competitions.
The heart of the matter
Her most recent achievement came in February 2015 at the 35th National Games in Kerala, where Boro was part of the team that won the gold medal in the women’s team event. Along with Mizzing Basumatary, she also picked up the bronze medal in the mixed team archery event.
Overall, she has won 13 gold, eight silver and eight bronze medals at the national level. At the state level, she has 11 gold and nine bronze medals, and 10 gold and two bronze medals at the district level, among various others.
At the 60th National School Games held in Guwahati in 2015, Boro bagged four gold medals – three in individual events and one in a team event.
She was also selected to represent India in international competition before she fell ill. She has been suffering from the illness in November 2016 and five months on, she continues to remain without the required medical attention.
What next?
It remains to be seen when Boro will be able to travel to Chennai or Delhi to receive the required treatment. A few politicians from the state have given statements in public with promises to help the archer and it remains to be seen when they will be delivered.
Author’s Take
It is a horrifying story showing the sad state of affairs of athlete support in our country as a national-level champion has been left to fend for herself in such a critical condition. We hope the situation changes soon and Boro receives the required treatment as soon as possible, so that she can compete again and make the nation proud.
